'Good Wife' TV death causes online shockwaves

The shocking death of attorney Will Gardner on "The Good Wife" on Sunday's episode - which caused immediate shock and dismay online - was driven by actor Josh Charles' desire to leave the CBS drama in its fifth season.

Charles had told the show's producers that "I was ready for the next chapter of my life, both creatively and personally," in an interview excerpt provided by CBS on Monday.

Gardner, the former colleague and lover of Alicia Florrick - the "wife" played by series star Julianne Margulies - was gunned down in a Chicago courtroom by his unhinged client.

The twist will force Margulies' character to examine all aspects of her life, producers said.

"She's going to miss the existence of Will," Margulies said of her character. "He was a powerful aphrodisiac in her life."

The show was trending on Twitter on Sunday, with hashtags like #TheGoodWifeSupportGroup, #RIPWill and #RIPWillGardner.

Charles said he appreciated the support of fans, but urged those who are upset to take a step back.

"I understand that there will be audience members who will be upset," Charles said. "I would just tell them that I guarantee it will continue to be an excellent show. I know I'm going to keep watching it."